Yoga and Ayurveda: Samana Vayu
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In the next few weeks, we’re turning our attention to the five pranas, also known as the five vāyus. This week, samana vayu, the equalizing wind. Samāna vāyu is located in the centre of the body, between the diaphragm and the navel. Samāna vāyu is responsible for the movement of peristalsis during digestion, and the proper mixing of the digestive juices necessary for proper digestion. Its primary function is viveka or discrimination-- the ability of the stomach to discriminate, distinguish, and separate essential from non-essential as we digest the food we’ve eaten.
In the text Ashtanga Hridayam, it is described thus.
Samāna is located near the digestive fire, moves in the alimentary tract, withholds the food in the alimentary tract for some time, digests it, separates the essence and wastes and eliminates the waste.
Samāna vāyu regulates digestion, absorption and assimilation. When samāna vāyu is disturbed, we experience symptoms such as indigestion, hyperacidity, belching or bloating. We can also get a sensation of butterflies in the stomach when we are nervous. There is a specific fiery quality to samana, as it works so closely with the digestive fire.
To support samāna vāyu and help with digestion, try chewing sliced ginger before meals, eating ginger with meals and sipping ginger tea. You can also try our agni kindler recipe. .
Chew a handful of roasted fennel seeds after meals to improve digestion and soothe samāna vāyu.
Among yoga tips for samāna vāyu, try agnisar dhauti or fire wash. This is a great practice to support samana vayu and digestive fire.
Each of the five vayus is associated with one of the five elements. And as we’ve alluded to, samana vayu is associated with the fire element. The seed syllable for the fire element is ram—very close to the name of Lord Ram, who is the scion of the solar race. So, you can also support your digestion and uplift your spirit by chanting Ram Ram Ram after meals.
Alakananda Ma M.B., B.S. (Lond.) is an Ayurvedic Doctor (NAMA) and graduate of a top London medical school. She is co-founder of Alandi Ayurveda Clinic and Alandi Ayurveda Gurukula in Boulder Colorado, as well as a spiritual mother, teacher, flower essence maker and storyteller. Alakananda is a well known and highly respected practitioner in the Ayurveda community both nationally and internationally.
Enliven your holistic health! Visit Alakananda Ma in Alandi Ashram’s ayurvedic clinic to support the overall rejuvenation of your body, mind, and spirit. In-person and virtual appointments available. Book now!
